News for 'Varanasi'

World's 'Oldest Saint' At Kumbh Mela

World's 'Oldest Saint' At Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

Swami Shivanand Saraswati, known as the world's 'oldest saint', claims to be 129 years old and has been attending the Kumbh Mela for 100 years.

'Being PM's constituency, Varanasi is getting some privilege'

'Being PM's constituency, Varanasi is getting some privilege'

Rediff.com6 May 2021

'The situation has improved because oxygen tankers are now coming.' 'Before this it was chaotic.'

CCTV cameras turned off to hide Delhi stampede? Vaishnaw says...

CCTV cameras turned off to hide Delhi stampede? Vaishnaw says...

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday said a fair enquiry is being conducted regarding the stampede which took place at New Delhi railway station last month and said the government is implementing a slew of measures to avoid such incidents in the future.

Students stage protest demanding removal of mosque from UP college

Students stage protest demanding removal of mosque from UP college

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

Students at Udai Pratap College in Varanasi, India, protested demanding the removal of a mosque located on the campus. The protest came after tensions arose when a section of students recited Hanuman Chalisa near the mosque while prayers were being offered. The college administration has denied claims by the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board that the mosque and surrounding land are Waqf property, stating that the mosque was built illegally. The college administration has also accused the mosque of stealing electricity.

Cancel your trip: Varanasi to tourists amid Covid surge

Cancel your trip: Varanasi to tourists amid Covid surge

Rediff.com15 Apr 2021

The temple city has seen a steep rise of 1,266 per cent in Covid cases over the past two weeks.

Varanasi court puts off verdict in Gyanvapi 'Shivling' case to Nov 17

Varanasi court puts off verdict in Gyanvapi 'Shivling' case to Nov 17

Rediff.com14 Nov 2022

A fast-track court on Monday postponed till November 17 its judgment on a plea seeking permission to allow the worship of a 'Shivling' claimed to have been found inside the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi.

UP polls: All eyes on Varanasi in final phase as Modi leads blitzkrieg

UP polls: All eyes on Varanasi in final phase as Modi leads blitzkrieg

Rediff.com3 Mar 2022

Voting for the seventh and final round will be held on March 7 for Varanasi and its eight adjoining districts.

'Aurangzeb also ordered protection of Varanasi temples'

'Aurangzeb also ordered protection of Varanasi temples'

Rediff.com13 Sep 2022

'Aurangzeb supported construction of the Kumarswamy math and the reconstruction of the Kedar temple and supported the Jangambadi math in Banaras.'

Private Hospitals to Add 34,000 Beds by FY29

Private Hospitals to Add 34,000 Beds by FY29

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

Leading chains plan Rs 40K crore infra revival to close capacity gap over next 3-5 years

BJP MLA falls on rail tracks while flagging off Vande Bharat train

BJP MLA falls on rail tracks while flagging off Vande Bharat train

Rediff.com17 Sep 2024

The train was stopped in time by bystanders, preventing a major accident. Bhadauriya was quickly rescued from the tracks by the police and taken to the hospital, according to eyewitnesses.

Dubai link to golden beige jacket Abe wore in Varanasi

Dubai link to golden beige jacket Abe wore in Varanasi

Rediff.com8 Jul 2022

A UAE-based Indian entrepreneur on Friday recollected how former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe appreciated and acknowledged his gift -- a golden beige jacket -- by wearing it during his 2015 historic visit to Varanasi.

Congress was soft on terror for vote bank: BJP on Tahawwur Rana

Congress was soft on terror for vote bank: BJP on Tahawwur Rana

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

The BJP has lauded the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, as a testament to "New India's" zero-tolerance stance against terrorism under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, the Congress has countered the claim, stating that the extradition was the result of diplomatic efforts initiated during the UPA government's tenure. The BJP highlighted Rana's return as a tribute to security personnel who lost their lives fighting Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and a step towards justice for victims of the attack. The Congress, however, asserted that the Modi government did not initiate the extradition process but benefited from the UPA's groundwork. The exchange of accusations has added a political dimension to Rana's extradition, with both parties vying for credit for the development.

Varanasi to London: Tiranga Pix

Varanasi to London: Tiranga Pix

Rediff.com15 Aug 2022

Readers tell us how they are celebrating the

Varanasi court rules Places of Worship Act doesn't apply to Gyanvapi

Varanasi court rules Places of Worship Act doesn't apply to Gyanvapi

Rediff.com12 Sep 2022

District Judge A K Vishvesh ordered that it would continue to hear the petition seeking the right to worship in the temple.

Gazwa E Hind can only be countered with Gazwa E Pakistan

Gazwa E Hind can only be countered with Gazwa E Pakistan

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

It is time we buried the mantra of 'peaceful and stable Pakistan is in our interest'. It is not, simply because Pakistan's existence -- that is synonymous with its army -- means peace has no chance, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (Retd). It is time we buried the mantra of 'peaceful and stable Pakistan is in our interest' asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (Retd).

Special EC officers to oversee counting in Varanasi, Meerut

Special EC officers to oversee counting in Varanasi, Meerut

Rediff.com9 Mar 2022

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Delhi has been sent as a special officer to oversee the counting process in Meerut and Bihar's CEO to Varanasi.

BJP makes clean sweep in Varanasi, Gorakhpur; SP wins all seats in Azamgarh

BJP makes clean sweep in Varanasi, Gorakhpur; SP wins all seats in Azamgarh

Rediff.com11 Mar 2022

The BJP and its allies won all assembly seats in Modi's Varanasi and Adityanath's Gorakhpur, and the SP bagged all 10 segments in Yadav's Azamgarh Lok Sabha constituency.

How Bollywood Celebrated Mahashivratri

How Bollywood Celebrated Mahashivratri

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

Film folk celebrated Mahashivratri on Wednesday by visiting temples and performing pooja, and posting pictures online.

Brrrr... It's Freezing In North India

Brrrr... It's Freezing In North India

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

Residents of North India battle freezing conditions.

Alert issued on Indo-Nepal border after ISIS man arrested in Varanasi

Alert issued on Indo-Nepal border after ISIS man arrested in Varanasi

Rediff.com21 Oct 2022

Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Assistant Commandant Lalit Mohan Doval said on Friday that the alert had been sounded on the Sonauli border in the district.

Check Out Wedding Decor Trends!

Check Out Wedding Decor Trends!

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

Wedding decor is going beyond aesthetics, embracing grand elements in a nod to the couples' personal stories.

Confirmed! Rinku Singh to marry SP MP Priya Saroj

Confirmed! Rinku Singh to marry SP MP Priya Saroj

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

According to Priya Saroj's father SP MLA Tufani Saroj his daughter and Rinku Singh got acquainted through one of her friends whose father is also a cricketer.

Modi holds meet with CMs of BJP-ruled states in Varanasi

Modi holds meet with CMs of BJP-ruled states in Varanasi

Rediff.com14 Dec 2021

Modi is on a two-day visit to his constituency, which began on Monday with the inauguration of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor.

Will Priyanka contest from Varanasi?

Will Priyanka contest from Varanasi?

Rediff.com29 Mar 2019

Will 'Bhaiyyaji', as Priyanka is called in UP, contest against Modi?

Gyanvapi case: SC to wait for Varanasi judge's order before hearing

Gyanvapi case: SC to wait for Varanasi judge's order before hearing

Rediff.com21 Jul 2022

A bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud, Surya Kant, and P S Narasimha said that it is posting for October first week hearing on the appeal of Gyanvapi mosque committee's plea against the Allahabad high court order upholding the appointment of court commissioner to survey the site.

Cow Hospitals And Wah Taj! in Agra

Cow Hospitals And Wah Taj! in Agra

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

'Be it tourist guides, hotels, rickshaw drivers, all have a livelihood thanks to Shah Jahan.'

10 labourers killed, 3 hurt as truck hits tractor trolley in UP

10 labourers killed, 3 hurt as truck hits tractor trolley in UP

Rediff.com5 Oct 2024

The prime minister has announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF (PM's National Relief Fund) for the next of kin of each deceased in the road accident in Mirzapur, UP. The injured would be given Rs 50,000, the Prime Minister's Office posted on X.

Modi winds up Varanasi visit with watching Ganga aarti from cruise

Modi winds up Varanasi visit with watching Ganga aarti from cruise

Rediff.com13 Dec 2021

Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessed the spectacular Ganga 'aarti' in Varanasi on Monday evening while on board a river cruise with chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh and other Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled states.

'Most Dargahs, Mosques Will Be Threatened'

'Most Dargahs, Mosques Will Be Threatened'

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

'The new Waqf bill sows the seed for conflict in every town and village of India.'

What Is Dharmendra Pradhan Praying For?

What Is Dharmendra Pradhan Praying For?

Rediff.com29 Oct 2024

If MoSha -- who are well known for their last minute political legerdemain -- indeed decide that Pradhan is the right candidate to helm the BJP for the next three years, he will be the party's first president from East India.

Heading To The Kumbh? Here's How To Plan

Heading To The Kumbh? Here's How To Plan

Rediff.com10 Jan 2025

Prayagraj is a must-visit place in 2025, but in January and February you can't miss the Maha Kumbh, a spectacular event like no other.

Modi in Varanasi to inaugurate Rs 339-cr mega temple project

Modi in Varanasi to inaugurate Rs 339-cr mega temple project

Rediff.com13 Dec 2021

Taking to Twitter, Modi said that the Kashi Vishwanath Dham project will add to Kashi's spiritual vibrancy.

Ram Navami celebrated across country amid tight security in many states

Ram Navami celebrated across country amid tight security in many states

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Temples across Uttar Pradesh were packed with devotees on Sunday for Ram Navami, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath leading prayers at the Gorakhnath Temple. Heavy crowds were witnessed at temples in Lucknow, Gorakhpur, and Varanasi, where security was heightened. In Gorakhpur, Adityanath performed the traditional kanya pujan ritual, while in Varanasi, a 51-foot statue of Lord Ram has become a major attraction. The festival was celebrated with enthusiastic fervor across the state.

Women We Admire: India's Brave Ranis

Women We Admire: India's Brave Ranis

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

This Women's Day Week, we pay tribute to the extraordinary courage, resilience, and leadership of three iconic Indian queens -- Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Rani Chennamma of Kittur, and Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Malwa.

Modi files nomination with allies by his side; Nitish absent

Modi files nomination with allies by his side; Nitish absent

Rediff.com14 May 2024

In the morning, he offered prayers at the Dashashwamedh Ghat and the Kaal Bhairav temple in Varanasi.

SP leader moves SC for effective implementation of Places of Worship Act

SP leader moves SC for effective implementation of Places of Worship Act

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Samajwadi Party leader and Kairana MP Iqra Choudhary has moved the Supreme Court seeking effective implementation of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. This move comes amidst several petitions challenging the law's validity, including those filed by the Akhil Bhartiya Sant Samiti and lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay. The Supreme Court, in December 2022, had restrained all courts from examining fresh suits and passing interim orders in pending cases seeking to reclaim religious places. The Act aims to maintain the religious character of places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947, but the dispute relating to Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid at Ayodhya was kept out of its purview. The court has listed Choudhary's plea with other pending pleas for February 17.

Modi's Varanasi office listed on OLX for 'sale', 4 held

Modi's Varanasi office listed on OLX for 'sale', 4 held

Rediff.com18 Dec 2020

The accused had taken a picture of the 'Jansampark Kaaryalay (public relations office)' of Modi, who represents Varanasi in the Lok Sabha, and put it 'up for sale' on OLX website, they said.

Brought back from Canada after 108 yrs, Annapurna idol installed in Varanasi

Brought back from Canada after 108 yrs, Annapurna idol installed in Varanasi

Rediff.com15 Nov 2021

The idol of the goddess was taken to the temple in a silver palanquin, shouldered by Adityanath.

'Supreme Court Must Clarify Justice Chandrachud's Places Of Worship Remark'

'Supreme Court Must Clarify Justice Chandrachud's Places Of Worship Remark'

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

'It was a disaster on his part to give an oral remark which allowed ascertainment of the religious character of places of worship.' 'This disrupted the social harmony of the country.'

Centre delaying reply on Worship Act, Mathura mosque panel tells SC

Centre delaying reply on Worship Act, Mathura mosque panel tells SC

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

The Mathura Shahi Masjid Eidgah Committee has approached the Supreme Court, requesting the court to prevent the central government from filing a response to a petition challenging the Places of Worship Act's constitutional validity. The committee accuses the BJP-led government of intentionally delaying its response. The court had previously issued a notice to the government in March 2021, but the government has yet to submit its reply despite numerous opportunities. The committee argues that the government's delay is intended to obstruct those opposing the challenge to the Places of Worship Act from filing their own responses. The petition also states that the pleas challenging the law's validity are scheduled for hearing on February 17, and closing the government's right to respond would serve justice. The Supreme Court previously issued a ruling in December 2022 that stopped courts from entertaining new lawsuits or issuing interim or final orders regarding the reclaiming of religious places, particularly mosques and dargahs. The ruling halted proceedings in 18 lawsuits filed by Hindu groups seeking surveys to confirm the original religious character of 10 mosques, including the Gyanvapi Masjid in Varanasi, the Shahi Idgah Masjid in Mathura, and the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal. This decision was made in response to six petitions, including one filed by lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay, challenging various provisions of the Places of Worship Act. The 1991 law prohibits the conversion of places of worship and guarantees the preservation of their existing religious character as it stood on August 15, 1947. Notably, the dispute regarding the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid in Ayodhya was excluded from this law. There are also several cross-petitions advocating for a strict enforcement of the 1991 law to uphold communal harmony and maintain the current status of mosques that Hindu groups seek to reclaim, claiming they were temples before being destroyed by invaders.